The basic steps to wire money

To wire money to a bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. You then go to your own bank (in person, online, or by phone), give them these details, and they send the money electronically to the other bank. The receiving bank deposits it into the recipient's account, usually within one business day.

The process itself is straightforward, but getting the details right matters — a wrong account number can send your money to the wrong person, and you may not be able to get it back. That's why banks ask you to double-check everything before you confirm the transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount before you start — ask them to provide all four rather than guessing.
  • Most banks let you wire money online, by phone, or in person, and the method you choose doesn't change how long it takes or what it costs.
  • Wire transfers usually arrive within one business day, but some banks take longer, so ask your bank how long theirs typically take.
  • Your bank will charge a fee for sending a wire transfer — this varies by bank and usually ranges from around $15 to $50, so ask before you send.
  • Once the money leaves your account, you cannot cancel the transfer, so verify all details are correct before you confirm.

What information you need to collect first

Before you contact your bank, call or message the person receiving the money and ask them for four specific pieces of information. Do not guess or assume you know their account number — even one digit wrong sends the money somewhere else.

Ask for: their full legal name (the name on their bank account), their account number, their bank's routing number, and the bank's name and location. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their specific bank branch. If they don't know it, they can find it on a check, ask their bank, or look it up on their bank's website using the bank name and their branch location.

Some banks also ask for a SWIFT code if the money is going to a bank outside the United States. A SWIFT code is similar to a routing number but used for international transfers. If you're sending money internationally, ask the recipient's bank for their SWIFT code.

Where you can send a wire transfer from

You can send a wire transfer from any bank that offers the service — nearly all do. You can initiate the transfer online through your bank's website or app, by calling your bank's wire transfer department, or by going into a branch in person. The method doesn't change how long the transfer takes or what it costs; it's just a matter of what's most convenient for you.

If you don't have a bank account, some money transfer services like Western Union also send wire transfers, though they typically charge higher fees than banks do. Check what they charge before you use them.

Fees and how long the transfer takes

Your bank charges a fee to send a wire transfer. This fee varies — some banks charge $15, others charge $50 or more. Call your bank or check their website to find out what they charge before you send the money. The fee is usually deducted from your account at the time you send the transfer, so the recipient receives the full amount you specified.

Most wire transfers arrive in the recipient's account within one business day. Some banks are faster and deliver within a few hours; others take up to two business days. Ask your bank how long their transfers typically take. Transfers sent on a weekend or holiday may not arrive until the next business day.

What happens after you send the transfer

Once you confirm the wire transfer, the money leaves your account when ready and your bank sends it to the recipient's bank. You cannot cancel the transfer or get the money back if you change your mind. This is why it's critical to verify all the details — the recipient's name, account number, and routing number — before you hit send.

Your bank will give you a confirmation number or receipt. Keep this in case you need to track the transfer or prove you sent it. The recipient should see the money in their account within one business day. If they don't, they can contact their bank with the confirmation number to find out where it is.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake after sending the transfer, contact your bank when ready. Some banks can stop a transfer if they catch it quickly enough, but this is not always possible. If the money went to the wrong account, your bank may be able to contact the other bank and ask them to return it, but the other bank is not required to do so.

If the money doesn't arrive after two business days, contact your bank with your confirmation number. They can trace the transfer and find out where it is. If the receiving bank received it but didn't deposit it into the account, the recipient's bank needs to investigate on their end.

Wire transfers versus other ways to send money

Wire transfers are fast and reliable, but they're not the only way to send money. A bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) is slower — it usually takes three to five business days — but costs less or nothing. A check takes even longer but has no fee. Money transfer apps like Venmo or PayPal are fast and cheap for small amounts but may have limits on how much you can send.

Wire transfers make sense when you need the money to arrive quickly, when you're sending a large amount, or when you're sending money to someone you don't know well (because the transfer cannot be reversed). For sending money to friends or family for everyday purposes, a bank transfer or money app is often cheaper and fast enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wire money internationally?

Yes, but international wire transfers take longer and cost more than domestic ones. You'll need the recipient's SWIFT code instead of (or in addition to) their routing number. International transfers typically take three to five business days and fees are often $25 to $75 or higher. Ask your bank what they charge and how long it will take before you send.

What if I don't know the recipient's routing number?

Ask them to check a check from their account — the routing number is printed on the bottom left. They can also call their bank or look it up on their bank's website using the bank name and branch location. Do not guess or use a number you think might be right.

Can I send a wire transfer to someone without a bank account?

No, a wire transfer goes directly into a bank account. If the recipient doesn't have a bank account, you could send money through a money transfer service like Western Union, which lets them pick it up in cash at a location near them. This costs more but doesn't require a bank account.

How do I know if the wire transfer was successful?

Your bank gives you a confirmation number when you send it. The recipient should see the money in their account within one business day. If they don't, give them the confirmation number so they can ask their bank to trace it. You can also call your bank and ask them to confirm the transfer went through.

What if I sent money to the wrong account by mistake?

Contact your bank right away with your confirmation number. Some banks can stop the transfer if they catch it within a few hours, but this is not always possible. If the money reached the other bank, your bank can ask them to return it, but they are not required to. The sooner you contact your bank, the better your chances.